Orientation and Mobility

One of the major impacts of blindness and vision impairment is on a person's ability to move about in a safe, confident and independent manner.

Typical problems include crossing roads, steps and gutters, dealing with other pedestrians, using public transport and obstacles in the path of travel. Orientation and mobility (O&M) is a program of assessment and instruction that has been specifically designed to enhance the safety, independence, effectiveness, efficiency and confidence of people who are blind or vision impaired.

Guide Dog information and assessment by a Guide Dog Instructor is available at the conclusion of the Orientation and Mobility program.

To find out more about our Guide Dog Services, click here.

RGDAT O&M Instructors are able to provide a consultancy service to professionals, councils, employers and the general public on all aspects of O&M as well as physical access for people who are blind or vision impaired.

Our O&M instructors can also assist with applications for public transport and disabled parking concessions (when travelling with family or friends).

We are also able to assist people with sight loss to develop safe and confident travel techniques such as:

• crossing roads
• using public transport
• negotiating steps and stairs

Do you know someone who, because of vison loss:

• Is worried about going outside alone;
• Has lost confidence;
• Is nervous crossing roads;
• Has asked for a white stick;
• Gets lost in Shopping Centres;
• Has trouble getting up and down stairs;
• Has trouble using public transport;
• Can't see in bright sunlight or maybe when light suddently changes;
• Finds public areas confusing because of their design; or
• Is interested in obtaining a Guide Dog for mobility.

What we can do:

• Talk to the person about their difficulties;
• Help develop confidence;
• Teach people to cross roads safely;
• Issue white canes and provide training;
• Develop orientation skills;
• Provide assessment and training in safe mobility techniques;
• Teach safe and efficient ways of using public transport;
• Assess and make recommendations to authorities about access and safety; and
• Provide Guide Dog information and assessment.
  
  
  
  
  

Mobility Services

General Travel Training

• Vision training – how to make the best of remaining vision;
• Orientation to specific routes or places;
• Use of public transport; and
• Strategies to make crossing roads safer and easier.

Cane Training

A white cane as a mobility aid is used by many people who are blind or have a vision impairment. There are several different types of canes including folding and support canes

A white cane provides protection from obstacles, identification to enhance assistance and consideration and information about the environment, including changes to ground level.

Orientation Services

Orientation training equips people to where they are in relation to objects, their direction and the distance travelled.

A mental map of the surroundings is encouraged and the ability to identify clues and landmarks in the environment. Making maximum use of remaining sight and using other senses is encouraged at all times.

Call us on (03) 6232 1222 for further information.

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